Citation

Roberts K, Holland J, Prigerson HG, Sweeney C, Corner G, Breitbart W, Lichtenthal WG. Palliat. Support. Care 2016; 15(1): 57-66.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center,New York,New York.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S1478951516000626

PMID

27516152

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Following the loss of a loved one to cancer, a significant subset of bereaved family members are at heightened risk for mental and physical health problems; however, these family members often "fall through the cracks" of the healthcare system. A brief, clinically useful self-report bereavement risk-screening tool could facilitate more effective identification of family members in need of psychosocial support before and after a cancer loss. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and refine the Bereavement Risk Inventory and Screening Questionnaire (BRISQ), a self-report bereavement screening tool, and to assess its utility using feedback from bereavement experts.

METHOD: Quantitative and qualitative feedback from a panel of 15 clinical and research experts in bereavement was obtained through an online survey to identify the most clinically useful items and understand expert opinion on bereavement screening.

RESULTS: The qualitative and quantitative feedback were synthesized, resulting in a 22% reduction of the item pool. While there was a general consensus between experts on the most clinically useful risk factors for bereavement-related mental health challenges and on the utility of screening, they also offered feedback on language and formatting that guided substantial revisions to the BRISQ. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: These findings were utilized to refine the BRISQ in preparation for a second study to obtain family member feedback on the measure. By incorporating both expert and family member feedback, the intention is to create a screening tool that represents top clinical and research knowledge in bereavement in a way that effectively addresses barriers to care.

Language: en